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The Power Casual Report: June, 2023
Introducing the ultimate Power Casual Travel outfit formula.
It’s that time of year again. Like clockwork, you’re stressing about what to wear to your company’s big biannual offsite. Or, if you’re lucky, you’re looking forward to sipping an Aperol spritz on the Amalfi Coast. Did we hit the nail on the head? Maybe not, but you probably have some form of travel plans in your future—and if so, it’s high time you sort out what you’re going to wear.
Our latest packing hack? Power Travel—a way of dressing that allows you to say goodbye to frantic post-flight outfit changes. Much like Power Casual (the clothing equivalent of work-life balance), Power Travel is all about versatility. It’s a packing philosophy that dedicates most of the space in your suitcase to polished, travel-friendly essentials that work for every leg of your trip. Think: Secretly stretchy pants you can sleep in on the plane and wear to a work dinner right after you land.
Our Power Travel selection is chock-full of flexible options, but to make things extra easy for you, we put together the ultimate Power Travel outfit formula. Follow this foolproof combination to stay comfortable and put-together in the face of fickle temperatures, unpredictable wait times, and other on-the-go obstacles:
Versatile layer + Breathable top + Stretchy pant + Flat shoe
Are you on board? Scroll to discover seven fresh outfits you can wear on the journey and at your destination.
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Relaxed Classics
As evidenced by the picture above, the O’Hara blazer is my Power Travel layer of choice. I used to go the athleisure route when flying, but I recently realized that if you wear a blazer on your flight, it doesn’t take up space in your suitcase. Game-changing. At first glance, you might think a blazer would be too stiff to sit in for hours on end, but not this one. The O’Hara’s slightly oversized fit means it’s refreshingly roomy and can accommodate a wide range of tops underneath. Try the Lagarde shirt, which is wrinkle-resistant, odor-resistant, and lightweight. If you want to lean into the whole I’m-headed-to-Paris-in-first-class vibe, go with a cigarette pant, like the Curie, and a pair of chic leather sneakers. Bon voyage!
Lighten Up
If you tend to run warm, a cotton pullover and feather-light tank will have your back—breathable, layerable, and easy to pair with virtually any item in your suitcase. For an elevated take on these essentials, go with the whimsically textured Jo sweater over the pearly Vicky tank. Complete the look with the olive Colby pants, which create a beautiful visual contrast against your cream-colored upper half but are equally lightweight, thanks to our innovative OrigamiTech fabric. Pull it all together with the two-toned Rowan flats and wear-everywhere studs.
All About Bestsellers
Cue the hits. Our #1 best-selling pant, the Foster, is a must-have that strikes the perfect balance between yoga pant and tailored trouser—courtesy of a thick Italian-cotton blend we call PowerStretch. Meanwhile, our top-selling layer, the Merritt jardigan, combines the comfort of a cardigan with the structure (and sharp lapels) of a blazer. Just wear an easy tee like the Owen underneath, slip on some leather slides, and you have yourself a nautical-inspired look that will set you up for smooth sailing wherever you go.
A Chic, Sleek Set
There’s something about matching knits, like the Cookie cardigan and Giada pullover, that’s aspirationally chic. Throw our new greenish-gray fossil color into the mix, and you have a combination that looks like something straight out of a Nancy Meyers movie. Pair your slouchy sweater and sleeveless top with a pair of off-white pants like the Archie jeans, which are truly Better Than Denim and feature a kick crop that won’t get in the way of your evening beach stroll. For a flight or dinner al fresco, just add the Carter slides and the subtly bejeweled Ivy earrings.
Attention to Detail
A blazer, T-shirt, and jeans is just about as classic a Power Casual combination as it gets. For an especially Power Travel spin, look for details like dynamic stretch and plenty of pockets. The stretch foulard Yiyan blazer’s knit construction makes it especially flexible, while deep pockets provide plenty of room for your on-the-go essentials. As far as pants go, the Hockley jeans will not disappoint, thanks to sleek, two-way-stretch cotton that prevents sagging between washes. An iconic take on the Leslie T-shirt, white leather sneakers, and gold hoops round out this smart-casual look.
Adventurous Essentials
The next time you embark on a work trip, try switching up your look with essentials that evoke a sense of adventure. If you’re bored of your blazer rotation, you might try the safari-inspired Emalis jacket, which features large patch pockets, an optional waist belt, and machine-washable Better Than Denim fabric—the perfect mixture of practicality and playful proportions. Layer it over more minimalist essentials like the V-neck Emmy top and straight-leg Daria jeans, and finish your look with the cat-print Grace loafers and bold Mildred earrings.
Black and White and Stretchy All Over
No matter which corner of the world you’re headed to, a black-and-white palette is a universal symbol of understated elegance. For a sophisticated take on neutral essentials, wear luxe knits, like the sharp Jolie jardigan and the silk jersey Aubrey top, along with the Better Than Denim Milo jeans. The cropped silhouette of the jardigan combined with the high waist of the Milos gives you legs for days, and these streamlined pieces serve as the perfect backdrop for experimental accessorizing. But if you prefer head-to-toe minimalism, opt for polished everyday accessories like buttery Carter slides and the gold Hugo necklace set.
